COVINGTON -- Christmas may seem like a long way away, but it will here before you know it, and so will the annual Christmas parade sponsored by the Covington Lions Club and Main Street Covington.

Entries are currently being accepted for the parade, set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in downtown Covington.

Schools, churches, marching bands, sports teams, businesses, civic groups, neighborhood groups and individuals are all invited to participate. This year's theme is "A Southern Christmas In Covington." The Lions Club is urging everyone to "think Southern" when coming up with theme ideas for floats and costumes. Santa costumes are not allowed.

The Best All-Around Trophy will go to the float showing the most holiday spirit, theme, creativity and construction. First and second place awards will be handed out in the High School, Middle School, Elementary School and Preschool/Daycares categories, as well as for churches, civic groups, Boys and Girls Scouts; corporations and businesses; families; golf carts; and awards for horse entries in best tack, best rider dress and best group. The deadline for judging is 9:30 a.m. the day of the parade at the starting location at Newton Drive. Awards will be given at the reviewing stand in front of the Newton County Historic Courthouse.

The American Legion fairgrounds are available for float preparation at 6:30 a.m. the day of the parade.

Applications can be obtained at www.covingtongalions.org, by clicking on "Christmas Parade." All entries must be received or postmarked by Nov. 20. For more information, email covparade12@yahoo.com or call Main Street Covington at 770-385-2077.

There is no fee to enter the parade. Groups that are raising funds during the parade are asked to consider making a donation to the Covington Lions Club to assist with expenses.

Line up for the parade is on Newton Drive, entry from Mill Street, and the parade moves from there to Anderson Street, Floyd Street, around the Square, right onto Church Street, left on Conyers Street and on Mill Street to the fairgrounds.